First, links to reports from Reuters, the Associated Press, Agence France-Presse, Tass, National Public Radio, and Agenzia Nazionale Stampa Associata; others from these organizations are accessible by clicking on their names or initials below. — MCM

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Satellite pictures show devastation at Russian air base in Crimea, by Tom Balmforth | Reuters * Ukraine silent on how strike was carried out * Satellite images show three craters, eight destroyed planes * ‘It’s very good,’ says ex-head of CIA * Russian bombardment reported along frontline | KYIV — Satellite pictures released today showed devastation at a Russian air base in Crimea, hit in an attack that suggested Kyiv may have obtained new long-range strike capability with potential to change the course of the war. Pictures released by independent satellite firm Planet Labs showed three near-identical craters where buildings at Russia’s Saki air base had been struck with apparent precision. . . . Russia has denied aircraft were damaged and said explosions seen at the base . . . READ MORE . . .

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Russia struggles to replenish its troops in Ukraine. From the  AP. As Russia continues to suffer losses in its invasion of Ukraine, now nearing its sixth month, the Kremlin has refused to announce a full-blown mobilization — a move that could be very unpopular for President Vladimir Putin. That has led instead to a covert recruitment effort that includes using prisoners to make up the manpower shortage. This also is happening amid reports that hundreds of Russian soldiers are refusing to fight and trying to quit the military. “We’re seeing . . . READ MORE . . . 

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Six killed in Russian strikes on eastern Ukraine city of Bakhmut. From AFP. Russian strikes on the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut killed at least six people and left three others injured, the regional governor says. “The Russians bombed the city with a multiple rocket launcher, hitting a residential area. According to initial information, 12 residential buildings have been damaged and four are on . . . READ MORE . . .

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Over 20,500 Donbass residents cross Russian border in Rostov region in 24 hours. From Tass. ROSTOV-ON-DON, Russia — More than 20,500 residents of the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics crossed the Russian border in the Rostov region over the past day, the Federal Security Service’s border department told journalists today. . . . According to the report, almost 2.5 million citizens of the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics have crossed the Russian border in the Rostov region since February. The situation . . . READ MORE . . .

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Latvian parliament declares Russia ‘state sponsor of terrorism.’ From AFP. RIGA — Latvian MPs today adopted a statement declaring Russia a “state sponsor of terrorism” and said its actions in Ukraine constituted “targeted genocide against the Ukrainian people.” The statement said the parliament [also] calls on other like-minded countries to express the same view.” MPs said they considered “Russia’s violence against civilians committed in pursuit of political aims as . . . READ MORE . . .

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Here’s just how close the war in Ukraine has come to Europe’s largest nuclear plant. Reported by Geoff Brumfiel, Julian Hayda and Daniel Wood | NPR Over the weekend, Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant — the largest such plant in Europe — came under fire. Who was behind it remains unclear: Ukraine and Russia blame each other for the attacks. What is clear, is that the strikes are coming nearer to and have already damaged some critical parts of the sprawling nuclear complex. An NPR analysis of satellite imagery and posts to Twitter, Telegram and YouTube over the past month show how an escalating conflict at the plant is . . . Click HERE to listen and read.

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Latvia is growing its military as Russia becomes increasingly aggressive. Reported by Rob Schmitz | NPR  Latvia is gearing up for the possibility they could be next after Ukraine. Officials say their military are drastically understaffed, so the country plans to bring back compulsory military service. Click HERE to listen and read.

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First Italian probed for enlisting in Ukraine. From ANSA ROME — The first Italian has been placed under investigation for enlisting to fight alongside Ukrainian combatants in Ukraine’s war against the Russian invasion. Kevin Chiappalone, 19, from Genoa, is a sympathizer of the far right group CasaPound.   Genoa’s anti-mafia and anti-terrorism prosecutor Marco Zocco has accused . . . READ MORE . . .

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TO BE CONTINUED